Given the current level of crime, spending time out and about is dangerous and can even be life threatening. The freedom that we take for granted in the U.S. is significantly limited in present day Guatemala.
As such, one is confined to one's home much of the time, a challenging thing for young men in their late teens and early twenties. Our present TV is small, getting old, and not 'smart'. -Given that much of our down time is spent gathered in the living room, watching movies and sporting events, a larger TV possessing a greater variety of options would be a welcome addition to our home.------ Cost $300

2. Traditional Christmas Gifts

A. A sweater or pair of sneakers for each-- of Only A Child's 9 youngsters.

To be given on Christmas Eve

------ Cost of each sweater $25------ Cost of each pair of sneakers $40

B. Weekend Sports.--

We are blessed to live 8 blocks from what is,
arguably, the nicest public park in Guatemala.
Many of our youths take full advantage of our good
fortune by spending time on the weekend at the
park, playing soccer and basketball.

------ Cost of soccer ball $15------ Cost of basketball $15

3. Christmas Celebrations

A. Christmas Shop Christmas Party ---(approximately 16 people)

All of Only A Child's staff and children are also
invited to join us at this Celebration. This luncheon celebration, which will take place on Dec. the 23rd will include grilled beef, salsa, rice, guacamole and tortillas------ Cost $100.

B. Christmas Eve Dinner

In Guatemala gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve at around 10 o'clock. Families then take to the street at midnight to participate in the setting off a great variety of fireworks all over the country. At 12:30, early morning, all return to their homes to share a meal of tamales, french bread and ponche.------ Cost $75

C. Traditional Christmas Night Dinner

A roast turkey dinner is shared by Guatemala
families on the night of the 25th.
If turkey cannot be afforded, a roast chicken
or other less expensive option is substituted.
Our dinner includes gravy, mashed potatoes
and a cucumber salad.------Cost $125

4. The Carpentry Shop

A. A set of woodcarving tools

Used to create Only A Child's hand crafted boxes------ Cost - $75. for a set of 3 tools -----------------$25. for an individual tool

Costs vary depending on the program chosen
and the level of studies completed

A. Back- to- school weekend programs

For young adults------ Cost - $40

B. Computer Programming Academy

Two evenings per week------ Cost - $30

C. English Language Academy

Monday through Friday------ Cost - $100

6. And Lastly...

Needed, 4 new tires for our microbus. They were well used when we bought the bus 5 years ago!
------ Cost - $150 per tire / $600 for a set of 4.

With violence so common in Guatemala at present, it is critical that we have safe and reliable transportation. Breaking down on the side of the road is always dangerous, for all of the usual reasons. In Guatemala, however, it leaves one especially vulnerable to assault.